tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77598522017-12-05T20:38:09.567-08:00Piano MusingsRegular notes from pianist/composer Edward WeissEdward Weisshttps://plus.google.com/114401768498004342620noreply@blogger.comBlogger730125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759852.post-24865311745477629512013-01-22T08:20:00.002-08:002013-01-30T19:06:35.506-08:00If You Don’t Like Your Sound, What’s the Point?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f8xz3z3MRHc/Tv3g9v1kJGI/AAAAAAAABOw/XBXQXKf6Ofs/s1600/piano32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f8xz3z3MRHc/Tv3g9v1kJGI/AAAAAAAABOw/XBXQXKf6Ofs/s320/piano32.jpg" width="317" /></a><span lang="EN">Ah D minor 9 how I love thee. So sad. So wistful. So full of longing and desire. It’s the sound you see. <a href="http://youtu.be/eyIOlcWsdIM" target="_blank">The sound</a>.</span></div><br />Have you found a sound you love? If not, no worries, you can and you will. If so, good! It means you know what you like and you’re not ashamed of it -<strong> and that’s a big thing!</strong><br /><br />Because if you don’t like your sound what’s the point? If you’re not playing piano to please your own sensibilities, then why do you play the piano? Is it selfish to actually enjoy the sounds coming from the instrument; to indulge in the sensual pleasure of overtone and bass notes for one’s own sake? If so, than I am an egoist of the highest order.<br /><br />From D minor 9, I can go anywhere. But I usually like to define some kind of tonality to make it easier. By using the D dorian scale (d, e, f, g, a, b, c, d) I construct chords and improvise to my heart’s delight. How long will it last? Who knows. <br /><br /><strong>The magic takes place when player and music become one</strong>. You know when this happens when you forget that you’re actually playing the piano. You become the music itself. <br /><br /><strong>Edward Weiss</strong> is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music's <a href="http://www.quiescencemusic.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_new">online piano lessons</a>. He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 15 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Visit now and get a FREE piano lesson!<br /><br /> Edward Weisshttps://plus.google.com/114401768498004342620noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759852.post-86327509720654962712013-01-07T10:24:00.001-08:002013-01-07T10:33:03.464-08:00Days Without Playing Piano…<span lang="EN"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W6A3lAAH10M/T4MPxYGv4GI/AAAAAAAABVI/ftDdIHgW1Po/s1600/piano3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W6A3lAAH10M/T4MPxYGv4GI/AAAAAAAABVI/ftDdIHgW1Po/s1600/piano3.jpg" /></a>Believe it or not, I can go for days without playing piano. In fact, I like to. I do this not because of some kind of goal though. I do it because a lot of times, I just don’t want to play the piano.</div><br />This may sound like anathema coming from a piano teacher, but let me tell you something… the reason I stay away from the piano is a creative one, meaning, I have nothing to say or express at that particular time.<br /><br />I don’t play piano to please others or to perform. I play piano because I see it as <em>a natural extension of my creative self</em>. A musical balm I can put on anytime I want to simply because I can.<br /><br />Now, the rub of this of course is that if you don’t practice, you lose facility. That’s a hard fact. <strong>But it’s a fact I’m not too concerned with because what I play is usually therapeutic fare</strong> - a note salad of tones and textures that pleases me to no end. I play a E minor 7 chord and it begins - the sound, minor and appealing. Then movement; fingers start playing around with chord tones and music comes forth.<br /><br />Now, this of course, is more than enough to content me. In fact, there are times where it completes me in a way that no other activity can. A musical nourishment that effortlessly melds into me. Playing and player become one and it is at this instant that the music is at it’s most powerful.<br /><br /><strong><em>Edward Weiss</em></strong> is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music's <a href="http://www.quiescencemusic.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_new">online piano lessons</a>. He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 15 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet.</span><br />Edward Weisshttps://plus.google.com/114401768498004342620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759852.post-83422218697757232162012-11-26T08:02:00.001-08:002012-11-26T08:16:43.178-08:00Not Everyone Thrives in a 'Do this and Get a Gold Star' Environment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AC4RC0D-Zso/ULORonyldEI/AAAAAAAABfE/nS4ThzqXdlg/s1600/gold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AC4RC0D-Zso/ULORonyldEI/AAAAAAAABfE/nS4ThzqXdlg/s1600/gold.jpg" /></a>I remember taking saxophone lessons as a child. I was 7. My teacher was a Frenchman. A real nice guy. Until you made a mistake. </div><br />Then, he would hit me on the head with a pencil and tell me to start again. As a child, I thought this was playful banter. In other words, it didn’t bother me but what it did was make me <strong>afraid of making mistakes or errors</strong> as some teachers like to call them. <br /><br />His approach was to create a technically proficient player who could read music well and play in time and on cue. Now this is the way it is for most music study. Teachers help students meet certain goals and I have no problem with this. But this approach does have a drawback, and it’s a pretty big one in my book.<br /><br />It’s that the emphasis is on technique to the exclusion of creative expression which to me is putting the cart before the horse. Here’s why. Technique is great. No argument there. In fact, the classical pianist is a master at technique.<br /><br />But technique by itself does nothing for those who wish to <em>communicate their feelings</em> on their chosen instrument. Sure, they can play scales, arpeggios, etc, but the idea of improvisation, composition, these things are left till the very end if taught at all. And this is what I oppose.<br /><br /><strong> Students must learn to trust their intuition - a skill that can be taught, but isn’t to most music students</strong>.<br /><br />It doesn’t have to be this way. In fact, I encourage improvisation and composition while learning technique. This approach encourages innovation, creativity, and boldness - exactly the same qualities one should have to properly be called an ’artist.’ Edward Weisshttps://plus.google.com/114401768498004342620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759852.post-26095851321349279212012-09-25T10:05:00.001-07:002012-09-25T10:36:34.978-07:00Hope is Kindled: 'The Power of a Simple Theme'<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SFo-XMUsy24?fs=1" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />If you're a Lord of the Rings fan (and even if you're not) here's an example of the power of a simple theme. In this scene, the goal is to give&nbsp;a feeling&nbsp;for hope. <strong>And boy does it do it!</strong><br /><br />It starts out as a slow builiding bunch of chords going up and up until...&nbsp;the main theme kicks in at the 1:02&nbsp;mark - a simple 8-bar phrase in 4/4 time. This is <u>what</u> it is. It's also pretty sure it's&nbsp;based on the modal scale of D dorian. Interesting because it's a very old 'church mode' and fits well with the 'Autumnal' feeling this composer wants to create.<br /><br />See? Even these guys use the 8-bar phrase which is why I incorporate it into the lessons. <strong>It's a powerful compositonal framework!</strong> Edward Weisshttps://plus.google.com/114401768498004342620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759852.post-30976427866973493802012-09-10T14:37:00.001-07:002012-09-10T14:46:48.605-07:00My Summer Vacation by Edward Weiss<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xAH-vS-EVq4/UE5fv77U9rI/AAAAAAAABeE/kF0yqaOLVFg/s1600/bird.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xAH-vS-EVq4/UE5fv77U9rI/AAAAAAAABeE/kF0yqaOLVFg/s320/bird.JPG" width="292" /></a></div><span lang="EN">Well, let me first say that I don’t ‘do’ much. That is, I’m a homebody. I like to relax here in San Diego.<br /> <br />Everything is here. <span style="color: blue;">Ocean</span>? Check. <span style="color: #38761d;">Forest</span>? Check. <span style="color: #0b5394;">Mountains</span>? Check again. And the weather? The best in the U.S. some say. And I’d agree.<br /> <br />Having said that, I’ve been busy working on my new CD ‘<a href="http://forestsolitude.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Forest Solitude</a>.’ Those of you who know me also know this CD’s been in the works for a few years. <br /> <br />But I’m very confident of having this new music available by the beginning of 2013. I plan to do <strong>a trilogy focusing on nature themes.</strong><br /> <br />The first one as you know is titled ‘<em>Forest Solitude’</em> and will contain nature sounds mixed with solo piano music from yours truly. In fact, <u>the picture on this blog post is actually a song that will be on it.</u> <br /> <br />Anyway, back to work. I've got a lot to do. :)<br /><br />Yours musically,<br />Edward Weiss</span><br /><br />Edward Weisshttps://plus.google.com/114401768498004342620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759852.post-38546576882560788522012-07-05T09:54:00.000-07:002012-07-05T12:54:31.140-07:00Always Room for Improvement?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KVMbfoLCweI/T_XFQ8f42iI/AAAAAAAABco/2-UkTn2v-84/s1600/pian07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KVMbfoLCweI/T_XFQ8f42iI/AAAAAAAABco/2-UkTn2v-84/s1600/pian07.jpg" /></a>I was recently browsing the ‘Composer’s Corner’ over at PianoWorld. It’s a place where pianist/composers can ‘lay bare’ their work for the scrutiny of others. </div><br />This is done a lot in the classical music world. And it can be very useful for feedback. The budding composer is told that this or that about the harmony. Melody may be picked apart as well as the entire composition itself. <br /><br />The purpose of the scrutiny is for the budding composer to grow. But I have a problem with this and <strong>it has to do with the word ’art.</strong>’ <br /><br />You see, <u><span style="color: black;">you really can’t improve on art</span> and here’s why</u> -- it’s unique and original in the moment it was created. No two pieces will be the same. Each one a perfect representation of the artist’s inspiration. Each one a stepping stone to the next and so on. <br /><br />If the purpose of critique is improvement, I have to ask “what is being improved?” The answer, of course, is technique. And <strong>technique, while important, <em>shadows in importance</em> when compared with the artist’s capacity to trust themselves and what comes out of them.</strong> <br /><br />By asking others if this or that can be improved, what you’re really doing is giving others permission to tell you what they think is good, bad, etc. And this usually is not very useful. <br /><br />For example, how helpful would it be if I told you I didn’t like a certain harmony you used and suggested something different. Or, suppose I took a listen to your music and said “the melody doesn’t do it for me” or anyone of a thousand suggestions I could possibly give. <br /><br />By trusting yourself … by giving yourself permission to create without judgment, you won’t need others opinions on whether something can be improved or not. You will bypass the need to garner approval and reap the rewards of this - the ability to create unfettered!<br /><br /><strong>Edward Weiss</strong> is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music's <a href="http://www.quiescencemusic.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_new">online piano lessons</a>. He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 15 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Visit now and get a FREE piano lesson and 342 page book!Edward Weisshttps://plus.google.com/114401768498004342620noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759852.post-55660394811200338772012-06-08T09:33:00.000-07:002012-06-08T09:34:04.094-07:00Summer, Piano Playing, and Getting Inspired<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RNrfCnsHGA0/T9IoOxyRWTI/AAAAAAAABbw/2pJ2-GfBx0k/s1600/piano_0.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RNrfCnsHGA0/T9IoOxyRWTI/AAAAAAAABbw/2pJ2-GfBx0k/s1600/piano_0.gif" /></a>I’ll admit it … summer’s not my favorite time of year. I’m almost 50, have a bad back, and can actually feel my body contract and expand in ways I never thought possible. </div><br />To say that I’m not inspired to play piano would be an understatement. <br /><br />And yet, when I do take the time to sit down at the piano and play, I find, once again, how easy the heavy feelings can be lifted once I let the music wash over me. <br /><br /><strong>One of my major teaching philosophies is that you can’t force play.</strong> And that’s true! Which is why I suggest that when you’re feeling down and don’t’ feel like playing piano, you shouldn’t.<br /><br />But, there’s a competing philosophy that suggests you ’show up’ at the piano even if you don’t want to. I tried this myself and found about a 70% success rate. That is, there are times when I really don’t feel like playing and won’t. I’ll go to the piano, place fingers on a chord and when I play, it sounds lifeless and flat. <br /><br />Of course, the reason it sounds this way is due to my own emotional state. <br /><br />Yet, if I stay with the music regardless of how I might be feeling and play anyway, there’s a good chance that <strong>something will ’click’</strong> and the music will feel new and fresh again. This actually happens and has happened to me on numerous occasions. <br /><br />So, if you don’t feel like playing - if you’re miserable and the last thing you want to do is play piano, try it anyway. It might be just the thing you need to reinvigorate and inspire you once again.<br /><br /><strong>Edward Weiss</strong> is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music's <a href="http://www.quiescencemusic.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_new">online piano lessons</a>. He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 15 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Visit now and get a FREE piano lesson and book!Edward Weisshttps://plus.google.com/114401768498004342620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759852.post-20908300694562096682012-05-23T11:21:00.000-07:002012-05-23T11:21:32.883-07:00Adding to Your Repertoire of Sound!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iEHZB7YMq8o/T70p7qIbj2I/AAAAAAAABas/X0iMtVwozMM/s1600/piano88.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iEHZB7YMq8o/T70p7qIbj2I/AAAAAAAABas/X0iMtVwozMM/s1600/piano88.jpg" /></a>There are a lot of ways to play chords. How many ways? An infinite amount. So how do you find new ‘sounds’ you like?<br /><br /> I usually start students off playing seventh chords in open position. This gives you a nice open sound that’s perfect for the beginner who wants to express in a modern musical language. <br /><br /><strong>But open position chords are far from the only sound available to pianists. Far from it. </strong><br />In your next new lesson, I’m going to show you how to use the humble triad to create a sound you would not believe is actually coming from this simple structure. <br /><br /><strong>The trick is what I do with it!</strong> It’s a different ‘sound’ than what I’ve been teaching you. Somewhat reminiscent of the classical composer Debussy, these interesting triads are used to create an ambiguous, ethereal tone. Something you can use and add to your repertoire of sound. It’s coming very soon. Stay tuned!<br /><br /><strong>Edward Weiss</strong> is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music's <a href="http://www.quiescencemusic.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_new">online piano lessons</a>. He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 15 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Visit now and get a FREE piano lesson!</div>Edward Weisshttps://plus.google.com/114401768498004342620noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759852.post-87782388409198719572012-05-11T09:24:00.002-07:002012-05-11T09:28:55.796-07:00Coming Soon… Quiescence Music Singles!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bBcJvQ7OA00/T608U6-OyFI/AAAAAAAABYQ/LojP6MKI1OA/s1600/piano4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bBcJvQ7OA00/T608U6-OyFI/AAAAAAAABYQ/LojP6MKI1OA/s1600/piano4.jpg" /></a>They’re not cheese, that’s for sure. QM singles are individual lessons I’ll be selling as stand alones. The good news is, if you’re already a course member, you get them FREE!</div>Each single lesson includes a video with yours truly demonstrating and explaining techniques and other goodies and also has comprehensive lesson notes and a chord-chart when necessary. <br /><br /><strong>Why am I doing this? </strong><br /><br />More options for those who don’t want to jump in to my course right away. The first one in the series is titled ‘<a href="http://youtu.be/eIbJnaGvpdc" target="_blank">August Fields’</a> and shows you how easy it can be to create music when you start with the most important thing first - the musical idea and how to ‘frame it’ so you can then use repetition and contrast to either enhance or expand the idea. Price? A very low $3.95 per lesson!<br /><br />It’s coming very soon! Stay tuned. <br /><br /><strong><em>Edward Weiss</em></strong> is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music's <a href="http://www.quiescencemusic.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_new">online piano lessons</a>. He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 15 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Visit now and get a FREE piano lesson!Edward Weisshttps://plus.google.com/114401768498004342620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759852.post-30142281233011104712012-05-03T11:43:00.001-07:002012-05-03T12:16:26.565-07:00Recommended Listening: Stanton Lanier - Awaken the Dawn<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GlAPIuVT5jM?fs=1" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />A New Age piano concert? Can you believe it? Yep. The pianist is Stanton Lanier at a Whisperings House concert given in Seattle I think.<br /><br />Anyway, the reason I posted this is so I can 'break it down' for you. Let's take a look at how this pianist uses repetition and contrast to compose with. As far as I can tell there are just 2 sections here. Not a lot of material to be sure. <strong>But just listen to what he does with that!</strong><br /><br>The main theme is played and lasts a bit. Actually sounds like an 8-bar phrase. Then, at the 51 seconds mark, something new. <em>Nothing drastically new here</em> - but you can tell that new material is being used.<br /><br />Then, it's right back to the main theme. Nothing complicated to be sure but a beautiful piece of music nonetheless. By going back and forth between sections, contrast is created. This keeps listener attention (hopefully) as a complete musical&nbsp;'journey' is created. <br /><br />If I were to break this piece down into it's final form it might look something like this: ABABAEdward Weisshttps://plus.google.com/114401768498004342620noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759852.post-41078148215486138752012-04-13T09:13:00.001-07:002012-04-13T09:13:58.072-07:00New Lesson Coming Soon 'Autumn Serenade!'<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/u93pZIJ0oJ8?fs=1" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />This one's going to be very cool! 'Autumn Serenade' uses the bottom up approach or harmonic sketch. The entire piece was quickly created and charted out in a matter of minutes using chords.<br /><br />The melody was then added. Do you hear the arpeggio or crossover technique when you first listen to this? That's the basis for the entire piece. Once this 'pattern' was established, the rest was easy.<br /><br />And I'll be showing you how easy it is to create something like this on your own! Look for it soon. And the sheet music for this will be coming soon as well!<br /><br />Not a member yet? Visit <a href="http://www.quiescencemusic.com/">http://www.QuiescenceMusic.com</a> to join!Edward Weisshttps://plus.google.com/114401768498004342620noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759852.post-2089417116168571712012-03-18T09:08:00.004-07:002012-03-19T15:19:55.955-07:00Piano Forums - The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IznVW8jMa7E/T2YItcKQ7zI/AAAAAAAABTQ/7nyWDC30xNA/s1600/pian.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 270px; float: left;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721269953367174962" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IznVW8jMa7E/T2YItcKQ7zI/AAAAAAAABTQ/7nyWDC30xNA/s320/pian.jpg" /></a>We all need community. Especially those of us who play piano. After all, it’s mostly a solitary activity. With that in mind, there aren’t a lot of forums where the focus is on the ‘king of instruments.’<br /><br /><strong>But fear not. There are two ‘biggies’ out there you should know about.<br /></strong><br />The first one is called PianoWorld and it is the biggest, most active piano forum out there. It’s run and owned by webmaster Frank Baxter. Frank, himself an amateur pianist has been running these forums for over 10 years.<br /><br /><strong>The good thing about these forums is they’re very active.</strong> In fact, there are more ‘members’ here than anywhere else. The bad thing is it’s pretty much all about classical piano. Of course, this would not be bad if you’re a classical pianist. But for those who enjoy jazz, pop, or even new age music, the pickings are slim compared to those who post on topics related to classical music.<br /><br /><strong>Which brings me to ‘the ugly’ side of PianoWorld.</strong> I used to be a member there. Until I got banned for speaking my mind. I didn’t break any forum rules but I wasn’t well liked. Why? My theory is they didn’t want to hear what I had to say about piano playing in general. But if you know me and read my posts, articles, and other piano musings, you know what I have to say can be controversial and even threatening to those who have devoted most of their lives to playing classical piano.<br /><br />But I encourage you to check it out for yourself. Find them at <a href="http://www.pianoworld.com/forum/">http://www.pianoworld.com/forum/</a><br /><br /><strong>After PianoWorld comes Pianostreet.</strong> I don’t know who runs these forums but let me start with the ugly first - <em>the entire site is done in reverse type</em>.<br /><br />What’s that you ask? It’s white text on a black background. Guaranteed to burn your retinas out after just a few minutes of viewing. In fact, white text with a black background is probably the worst design mistake you can make. Why? Because it’s the hardest of all design styles to read! And assuming you want people to visit, read, and eventually post, it’s really, really stupid.<br /><br />Now, the bad. It too is mostly classical. And I really don’t understand why. Surely there are more ‘pop’ pianists out there than their classical playing counterparts. But it’s probably due to the fact that classical pianists love to chat about minutiae like, hand tension, fingering, dynamics - <strong>pretty much anything you can think of that would lead a classical pianist to perfect his art.<br /></strong><br />In fact, there are two major contributor’s there who do nothing, and I mean nothing but argue with each other over said minutiae. I won’t name them, but if you visit, it won’t take you long to discover their identities.<br /><br />As far as ‘the good’ goes, there is a sub forum where people can post improvisations and the like via video. I have a few there and received some nice comments. But once again, if you’re not into the classical scene, the pickings can be slim. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.<br /><br />You can find the Pianostreet forums at <a href="http://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php">http://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php</a><br /><br /><strong><em>Edward Weiss</em></strong> is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music's <a href="http://www.quiescencemusic.com/" target="_new" jquery1332087148218="10">online piano lessons</a>. He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 15 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Visit now and get a FREE piano lesson!Edward Weisshttps://plus.google.com/114401768498004342620noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759852.post-77569201825807712482012-03-13T09:38:00.001-07:002012-03-13T09:42:31.406-07:00Musical Doodling - What it is and How it can Help Your Piano Playing!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FFGHQMNmHto/T194RdVAmaI/AAAAAAAABTE/nuwRYElpec8/s1600/piano23.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 260px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719422293109676450" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FFGHQMNmHto/T194RdVAmaI/AAAAAAAABTE/nuwRYElpec8/s320/piano23.jpg" /></a>Children do it with finger-paints. They also do it with writing. What is the ‘it’ they do? They doodle! They have fun playing around with color, words, music … pretty much any artistic thing you can throw in front of them.<br /><br />Now, why is doodling so important to you and piano playing? <strong>Because it is the child in you that longs to explore without having to produce anything</strong>. Children create because they enjoy the process of creating pure and simple. They aren’t concerned with producing a masterpiece or something worthy of show.<br /><br />What they are concerned with is feeling and introspection - experience and joy. The things that really have no intrinsic value in our goal based western society.<br /><br />This desire to ‘doodle’ may have been lost in many of us adults as we replaced having fun with approval seeking. This is where it goes downhill for so many would be artists because they soon learn to replace the all rewarding experience of exploring with gaining an approving nod from those ‘in the know.’<br /><br />Once the adult fully realizes the damage caused by this, it’s usually too late as joy of discovery is replaced with the anxiety of creating something worthy, something good, or something that can be used.<br /><br />For piano players, this can have dire consequences as the child in them yearns for the fullness of expression once felt years ago.<br /><br /><strong>This is why ‘doodling’ is so important … it allows us to enjoy the process of creating without the ego need of producing a product others can admire.</strong> For piano players this means improvisation - being able to just play what comes to you.<br /><br />For those needing help with this, I offer a free piano lesson that shows the beginning adult how to improvise right away in the Key of C Major. Find the lesson at <a href="http://www.quiescencemusic.com/">http://www.QuiescenceMusic.com</a>Edward Weisshttps://plus.google.com/114401768498004342620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759852.post-89336936708888384102012-03-07T08:45:00.006-08:002012-03-07T08:56:50.569-08:00George Winston 'Likes' My Video on Facebook<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qp_j9SCl-XE/T1eQrrcuBEI/AAAAAAAABS4/VAs0JFsQQOU/s1600/ScreenShot266.gif"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 260px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717197332042089538" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qp_j9SCl-XE/T1eQrrcuBEI/AAAAAAAABS4/VAs0JFsQQOU/s320/ScreenShot266.gif" /></a>I've always been a fan. Actually, a huge fan of George Winston. Why? Because in the 1980's he popularized a style of piano playing that shouldn't have become popular.<br /><br /><strong>Click on the picture for a closer look.<br /></strong><br />Thanks to a glowing 'Rolling Stone' magazine interview, a Grammy, and muli-platinum selling CD's, the genre known as 'New Age' became known worldwide. And it's all pretty much due to Winston.<br /><br />So, when I posted a video called <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqss3zfrOGs">'Open Plains' </a>on George's Facebook page, the last thing I expected was for him to 'Like' it. That's actually a huge compliment as Winston is notorious for not giving endorsements, testimonials, or even nods of approval.<br /><br />I wasn't expecting it so it was all the sweeter. Maybe he 'Liked' it because it's actually an homage to the man who influenced him - Phillip Aaberg.<br /><br />Whatever the reason, it's nice to be recognized by this humble man who has done so much for the New Age genre ... even if he doesn't call what he does 'New Age.' <span style="color:#3333ff;">:)</span>Edward Weisshttps://plus.google.com/114401768498004342620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759852.post-70188853757893260032012-02-28T09:47:00.009-08:002012-02-28T10:06:17.082-08:00I’m Not the Best Pianist in the World<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1CAxdQnM-Wo/T00XM1r6u6I/AAAAAAAABSo/4Fg6RGt-AwM/s1600/pianogirl.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 241px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714249011540179874" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1CAxdQnM-Wo/T00XM1r6u6I/AAAAAAAABSo/4Fg6RGt-AwM/s320/pianogirl.jpg" /></a>If you’ve had a chance to take one of my online piano lessons or watch a video of me playing piano, you already know this fact - I’m not a great piano player.<br /><br /><strong>And, I’ll probably never be a great piano player. It doesn’t bother me.</strong><br /><br />Why? Because in order to become great, you have to give it your all. And when I say your all, I mean exactly that. I mean spending a minimum of 6-8 hours a day practicing and practicing and getting ready for performance.<br /><br />This vigorous routine is usually reserved for the classical pianist who wants a career as a performer. The idea is to get so good at playing that expression and interpretation become priority. And there it ends.<br /><br />For while this pianist can play other people’s music extremely well, the odds are good that this same piano player, who’s practiced for thousands of hours, won’t be able to just sit down and play something original. Something not created by others.<br /><br /><strong>And that dear friend is sad.</strong> Because while there’s no denying the music of Bach, Beethoven, etc is ‘good’ music, it makes me wonder why anyone would devote literally their entire life recreating it.<br /><br />I’m not the best pianist in the world. But I can sit down at a piano and reach for a chord that calls to me. The dance then begins as melody, harmony, and rhythm come to life -right before me. Music flows forth and heart and mind become unified - instantly. <em>What a gift to be able to do this!</em><br /><br /><strong>I can’t play a Bach prelude or Chopin etude. But I can be myself at the piano and experience an intimacy that always leaves me feeling rejuvenated - like a cool breeze does on a hot summer day.<br /><br /></strong>I don’t spend countless hours practicing either. No need to. I’m not entering a competition or preparing for a recital. My interest lies firmly with experience and experience alone. What I’m after is connection and release, mystery and the satisfaction that always comes when I allow the music to ‘play me.’ I let go of the need to create something good, something perfect, or something masterful. Instead, I focus on and enjoy the process and, forever how long it lasts, I am free.<br /><br /><strong>Isn’t this ‘being at the piano’ worthy of respect? Is not the ability to do this priceless?</strong> I think so and have devoted myself to getting others to ‘have a go’ at it. Because once students taste the freedom of improvisation and free play, it’s as if a wellspring has been opened inside them. They finally have discovered what’s been missing all those years, namely the ability to play what one feels.<br /><br /><strong><em>Edward Weiss</em></strong> is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music's <a href="http://www.quiescencemusic.com/" target="_new" jquery1330452047121="10">online piano lessons</a>. He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 15 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Visit now and get a FREE piano lesson!Edward Weisshttps://plus.google.com/114401768498004342620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759852.post-61335346751106136192012-02-23T11:38:00.001-08:002012-02-23T11:51:14.409-08:00The Concept of 'Key Center' Taught by Family Guy's Stewie Griffin<iframe height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6RmO6fc-FdE?fs=1" frameborder="0" width="459" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /><br />I was going to produce a video illustrating 'Key Center,' but Stewie does it so much better! Still, a few important things to know here.<br /><br />He's playing in the Key of G Major. To establish 'key center,' Stewie needs to play just 3 chords ... G Major or the Tonic or the l chord. Next he plays a C Major chord - also called the sub-dominant or lV chord. But he's not finished yet. He needs the dominant or V chord, which is really D 7.<br /><br />But let's give Stewie a break. He's only one!<br /><br /><strong><em>Edward Weiss</em></strong> is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music's <a href="http://www.quiescencemusic.com/" target="_new" jquery1330026579468="10">online piano lessons</a>. He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 14 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Visit now and get a FREE piano lesson!Edward Weisshttps://plus.google.com/114401768498004342620noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759852.post-85127329765594645092012-02-11T11:12:00.000-08:002012-02-12T10:19:39.669-08:00Don’t Put the Piano on a Pedestal<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QEbTFm36-MM/Tza9n-k2EMI/AAAAAAAABRw/J0RcCzZhTms/s1600/piano01.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 273px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 221px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707958072248766658" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QEbTFm36-MM/Tza9n-k2EMI/AAAAAAAABRw/J0RcCzZhTms/s320/piano01.jpg" /></a>The piano. It’s a musical instrument that many would love to play. Yet for most, it’s got a rarefied air about it. Something almost mystical as if touching a key would cause a Steinway lid to shut tight around unworthy fingers if the note wasn’t perfect.<br /><br />The above scenario is humorous yet sad. Because my friends, in the classical music world, this is what we have. A reverence for ritual and the ‘masters.’ God forbid one should just go over to a piano and play off the top of one’s head. No. This isn’t usually the case as children are taught that to make music, ‘real’ music, one must study. And study hard!<br /><br /><strong>It’s not enough to just learn a few chords and go off exploring. That wouldn’t be right now would it?<br /><br /></strong>It’s so sad that some children learn the ‘Tiger Mom’ approach and then, after the policeman with a stick is gone, the adult never goes near the piano again. There’s no one threatening to punish them if they don’t practice so why bother.<br /><br />Think I’m kidding about this? This is the rigmarole that some kids are put through right from the beginning. If a creative approach is taught, and that’s doubtful, it’s relegated to background status - a thing not to be valued.<br /><br /><strong>Yet I argue that the creative, playing part is where the value really is.<br /></strong><br />I’m not saying that one shouldn’t practice. But music should be a place primarily for play and recreation, not a testing ground to see if one has mastered a piece or not. The reward for getting it right of course, is an atta boy or that’s great from an authority figure - the dreaded piano teacher.<br /><br />And sadly, this turns into deadly approval seeking as the child now is programmed to give a good performance for a pat on the back. The piano is a great instrument, there's no doubt about it. But don't make the mistake of making it more important than you - that is, don't put it on a pedestal. It might be hard to reach.<br /><br /><strong><em>Edward Weiss</em></strong> is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music's online piano lessons. He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 16 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Visit <a href="http://www.quiescencemusic.com/">Online Piano Lessons by Quiescence Music</a> now and get a FREE piano lesson!Edward Weisshttps://plus.google.com/114401768498004342620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759852.post-1037123413219123132012-01-28T09:59:00.000-08:002012-01-28T10:01:52.647-08:00Got Winter Blues? Bonus Lesson 'Summer Oriole' will Warm You Up!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bsvKT5tCueA/TyQ3u9HAhYI/AAAAAAAABRk/3X8djexKN8M/s1600/ScreenShot258.gif"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 195px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702744307975357826" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bsvKT5tCueA/TyQ3u9HAhYI/AAAAAAAABRk/3X8djexKN8M/s320/ScreenShot258.gif" /></a>Free improvisation - the term alone can intimidate students who have never tried it. But for pianist/composer and online teacher Edward Weiss, the term means freedom of expression and fun.<br /><br /><strong>Weiss explains...<br /><br /></strong>"The idea of sitting down at the piano and playing what you feel is such an alien idea for the majority of piano students. And I don't know or understand why. Especially since all it takes to do it are chords and some guidelines - both of which I provide in the lesson Summer Oriole."<br /><br />Weiss has been teaching adults how to play New Age piano for over 10 years. The online course he runs now has over 140 lessons and 1100 members. Students pay a small monthly fee to access everything on the course. When asked why he teaches 'New Age' piano, Weiss elaborates:<br /><br />"New Age piano is a very popular style of music. Millions around the world enjoy the beauty and relaxing effects it has to offer. But there was nothing as far as instruction goes - either online or off. I created a course where anyone who enjoys this style can go and learn how to play it without learning how to read music."<br /><br /><strong>Weiss also adds:<br /><br /></strong>“Most piano students assume they must learn how to read music before they attempt anything creative. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, I encourage students to speak the language of music first through chords before learning how to read it.”<br /><br />The free piano lesson 'Summer Oriole' can be found now at <a href="http://www.quiescencemusic.com/summeroriole.pdf">http://www.quiescencemusic.com/summeroriole.pdf</a>Edward Weisshttps://plus.google.com/114401768498004342620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759852.post-71766706763309092752012-01-17T09:07:00.000-08:002012-01-17T09:22:50.882-08:00The Man Who Sold New Age Music<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lqdTApHxZ0s/TxWrFHhNRVI/AAAAAAAABRQ/XrUHmnhkHNs/s1600/windham.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 225px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698649007913256274" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lqdTApHxZ0s/TxWrFHhNRVI/AAAAAAAABRQ/XrUHmnhkHNs/s320/windham.jpg" /></a>Remember Windham Hill? It was the preeminent New Age label back in the 80’s and 90’s. And Will Ackerman, former CEO of the first (and best) label for New Age music sold his beloved Windham Hill to BMG. And now, Sony owns it.<br /><br />Ackerman made a lot of money off the deal. Many millions. But he also made good money (I hope) as CEO of Windham Hill. <strong>Which makes me wonder. ..<br /></strong><br />I wonder why someone who was so passionate about a style of music he literally coined, would sell the label - and along with it, pretty much the entire genre of New Age music.<br /><br />You see, Windham Hill was a very respected label in the 1980‘s. Ackerman even signed George Winston - and we all know how successful he is. So why would someone abandon a growing genre of music?<br /><br />According to Ackerman, he was overwhelmed with the administrative details. Understandable. Most ‘artistic types’ and Ackerman’s one of them, don’t like to attend to minutiae.<br /><br /><strong>But why sell something you’ve worked so long and hard for to a conglomerate who not only failed to grow the genre of New Age music, but pretty much buried it and condemned it to an uncertain death?</strong><br /><br />Why not hand over the reins to someone who could grow and expand this beautiful, healing, and heartfelt style of music the world really hasn’t seen since classical impressionism?<br /><br />It saddens and angers me when something like this happens.<br /><br />I place the blame with Ackerman. Sure, he’s entitled to do what he wants and can sell and buy as his heart pleases. But when he sold Windham Hill, he also sold the idea of New Age music as something ‘not worthy’ of attention. Something that could be cast aside and bought out.<br /><br /><strong>New Age music deserves better.</strong> Much better. I hope to change this as I write more and more about the genre of music that I love so much.Edward Weisshttps://plus.google.com/114401768498004342620noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759852.post-43220663996100704672012-01-10T07:52:00.000-08:002012-01-10T08:00:08.100-08:00How to ‘Present’ Your Music to Others or Why You Should Never Apologize<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Nlqu2h-LyU/Twxe2KQgt5I/AAAAAAAABQ0/zyeNm5lJGj4/s1600/piano342.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 269px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 187px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696031913276389266" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Nlqu2h-LyU/Twxe2KQgt5I/AAAAAAAABQ0/zyeNm5lJGj4/s320/piano342.jpg" /></a>A present. Something you give or offer to someone as a gift. Does that sound like you playing your music for others?<br /><br />Because that’s essentially what giving your music to others is - a gift. And you’d be amazed how many students belittle and try to degrade this gift by apologizing for it in the following way:<br /><br /><strong>Saying it’s my first piece.</strong> This is like saying you really aren’t ready to perform or present your music to others either via concert or video. NEVER apologize for putting yourself out there! Even if it is your first piece. Why? Well for one thing, they don’t know it’s your first piece. For another, the unspoken message is it isn’t good. Both are unnecessary. Be bold. Be confident.<br /><br /><strong>For example, if you make a mistake and it’s in your performance, NEVER apologize for it.</strong> Most won’t recognize it (especially in the New Age style) and even if they do, what’s important is how you ‘handle’ the mistake. Move forward boldly and act as if it’s nothing. Your audience will too. Unless it’s a huge flub. If that’s the case, you can redo it if you’re recording a video or audio. If you’re in concert and it happens (and it’s happened to me) take my advice and move on boldly.<br /><br />Now that I’ve discussed the most common mistake newbie’s make when presenting their music, I’d like to talk about <strong>the ‘kind’ of artist you are.</strong> Why is this important? Because if you decide to market yourself and your music to the world, the world needs an easy way to categorize you and your music.<br /><br />So, are you a ‘new age’ pianist? Or does ‘contemporary pianist’ sound better to you? Are you a ‘nature artist?’ If so, and if this is how you want to classify yourself, do it! But <strong>do it boldly and stand behind yourself with pride.<br /></strong><br />Take my word for it … people appreciate it when <span style="color:#ff6600;"><strong>YOU</strong></span> believe in yourself. Need help with this? Listen to my ‘<a href="http://quiescencemusic.com/pianoaffirmations.mp3">Affirmations for New Age Piano Playing</a>' Mp3. It will help.Edward Weisshttps://plus.google.com/114401768498004342620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759852.post-7889425230023008222011-12-28T08:42:00.000-08:002012-01-01T08:24:50.146-08:00Two Ways to Learn Piano?<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ElGWIkMvUM/Tv3iCv8yRCI/AAAAAAAABPU/n5rX0d4ngZw/s1600/pianolady.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691954040925209634" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ElGWIkMvUM/Tv3iCv8yRCI/AAAAAAAABPU/n5rX0d4ngZw/s320/pianolady.jpg" /></a>I’ll never forget the time one of my college professors talked about types of learners. There are two I’d like to discuss here and they are the A to B learner and the one that learns in leaps and jumps.<br /><br /><strong>The A to B learner, or linear learning for lack of a better term likes to progress from one point to another.<br /><br /></strong>That is, they don’t want to learn anything new unless they get point A down. Then, it’s on to the next point.<br /><br />These types of learners excel in science and math because these disciplines require a solid foundation based on previous knowledge. For instance, you really can’t do well in a physics course unless you already have a good understanding of basic math.<br /><br />Then there are those of us who just don’t do well in an A to B world. I fall into this category and I suppose many ‘artistic’ types do as well.<br /><br /><strong>Take music for example.</strong> You could actually learn how to play piano going from A to B. And most do. This is what is done in the classical music world. You start with the basics and <strong><em><span style="color:#cc33cc;">slowly</span></em></strong> move from there. Note reading, pedagogy, technique … all are carefully planned out to produce a student who can recreate a piece of music with proficiency.<br /><br />But … what if you have problems with this approach? What to do? Most teachers only teach a linear approach and this is fine when it comes to learning technique. <strong>Yet, for those who like to ‘play,’ growth can seem slow.</strong><br /><br />And this is where the term ‘leap’ really applies. Because while it seems as if the ‘leaps and jumps’ learner is getting nowhere by playing around, he really is growing and will probably <span style="color:#009900;">leap right over his linear learning opposite</span>. Why?<br /><br /><strong>Because much IS going on at a subconscious level.<br /></strong><br />You may feel sometimes as if nothing is happening and that you aren’t growing. Not true. In fact, you probably have already progressed light years ahead of the A to B learner.Edward Weisshttps://plus.google.com/114401768498004342620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759852.post-1896446670699967702011-12-13T09:08:00.000-08:002011-12-13T09:35:56.991-08:00Darker Melodies for New Age Piano?<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-07SXIWqXn80/TueKIbQsWiI/AAAAAAAABMM/dkXjPu9oAdY/s1600/gone.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 218px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685664931939899938" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-07SXIWqXn80/TueKIbQsWiI/AAAAAAAABMM/dkXjPu9oAdY/s320/gone.jpg" /></a>A new student recently asked me about creating a 'darker' sound on the piano.<br /><br />Traditionally, New Age piano is known for pleasant, consonant harmonies with very little or no dissonance. <strong>And that's the way it is for most New Age piano pieces</strong>.<br /><br />Most of them are created in Major keys and stay there. But ... we can also create a 'darker' sound using something called 'modal' playing.<br /><br />For example, in the video <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_QujjQ2uZY&amp;feature=player_embedded">'Gone, but Not Forgotten</a>,' I use something called the Aeolian mode.<br /><br />Based on the Aeolian scale, it's simply the white notes A to A. That is, if we start with a A minor chord and build our chords using this scale, we get a dark minor sound. <strong>This is also called 'tonality,'</strong> a very important concept in music because the sound you get is very much based on how you define it from the beginning.<br /><br />Another way of looking at this is if you want a 'darker' sound, try playing around with some of the minor keys and modes.<br /><br />In the video <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_QujjQ2uZY&amp;feature=player_embedded">'Gone, but Not Forgotten</a>,' 3 chords are used ... A minor 7, F Major 7, and D minor 7. I use an ostinato pattern between the hands and improvise.<br /><br /><strong><em>By the way ...</em></strong> in keeping with my philosphy of not trying to 'come up' with material, I created the music as I always do and then, came up with the title, i.e., I thought this music would work well for the picture and theme of the video!Edward Weisshttps://plus.google.com/114401768498004342620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759852.post-9817733946595432742011-11-17T08:38:00.000-08:002011-11-17T08:45:34.509-08:00How to Get Past Creative Blocks<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8y-ygpGQR5I/TsU5kF9zd_I/AAAAAAAABLw/baWkEzKTG4A/s1600/pianocat2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 231px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676006197609854962" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8y-ygpGQR5I/TsU5kF9zd_I/AAAAAAAABLw/baWkEzKTG4A/s320/pianocat2.jpg" /></a>When I first began playing the piano and improvising, there were times when the music just wouldn't flow. No matter what I did, I couldn't make it go any further. Blocked and frustrated, I wondered why this happened. One minute I would be in flow and enjoying the process of playing the piano. The next, I would find myself trying to come up with material<br /><br /><strong>I soon realized that the more I tried to "come up" with something, the more blocked I became.</strong> The solution to this particular problem is simple, yet many find it to be frustrating in itself.<br /><br />The answer is simply to walk away. That's right! If you're playing the piano and it just won't come anymore, I suggest getting up and finding something else to do. Why? Because you can not force play! It's that simple. And that difficult because we want to get back into the "groove." But getting back to this place requires you to ease up a bit.<br /><br />You see, <strong>the creative process is somewhat similar to meditation.</strong> Meditation can't be forced or willed into working. It must be allowed to work. So too the creative process. There are times when I won't touch the piano for weeks on end. This used to bother me until I saw that I needed time away - a regenerative period so to speak.<br /><br />Natalie Goldberg of "Writing Down the Bones" fame describes this lackluster period as composting. Don't worry about losing your creative ability. You never lost it. Just give it time to compost and when you return to the music, you will hear something new and wonderful!<br /><br /><strong><em>Edward Weiss</em></strong> is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music's online piano lessons. He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 14 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Visit <a href="http://www.quiescencemusic.com/">www.quiescencemusic.com</a> now and get a FREE piano lesson!Edward Weisshttps://plus.google.com/114401768498004342620noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759852.post-8742706042770994962011-11-12T11:15:00.001-08:002011-11-12T11:18:52.579-08:00Piano Gardening? Nature and Music Meet at NewAgePianoLessons.com<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b3C0P5YQ8wY/Tr7GFjYIjRI/AAAAAAAABLE/tUVKxwFI2Z4/s1600/pianos2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 266px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 209px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674190379231513874" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b3C0P5YQ8wY/Tr7GFjYIjRI/AAAAAAAABLE/tUVKxwFI2Z4/s320/pianos2.jpg" /></a>When ‘New Age’ pianist George Winston came out with his CD ‘December’ back in 1981, it was a new sound for the time. Quiet and contemplative, the music seemed to ring in the air and go nowhere. But it caught on and became popular. Something you wouldn’t think would have happened back in the 80’s when Madonna and Wham were all the rage.<br /><br /><strong>Yet for reasons unknown, the New Age music scene died a quiet death shortly thereafter.<br /></strong><br />But now, New Age music is making a comeback. Thanks in no small part to the efforts of piano teacher and pianist Edward Weiss.<br /><br />Weiss runs a website that teaches, you guessed it - New Age piano. And according to Weiss, the site keeps growing and currently has over 7500 subscribers.<br /><br /><strong>Here’s what this ‘New Age’ pianist and teacher has to say about it:<br /></strong><br />“I’ve always loved music that tries to describe the natural world. New Age music is really the impressionist music of our time. Many adults would love to create in this style but think they can’t because they can’t improvise - a necessary requirement for New Age piano playing. But I teach a simple method that allows them to just sit down and play.”<br /><br />The course Weiss teaches now has over 140 lessons and comes with a free workbook. Weiss, who also has a bestselling book on Amazon.com ’Free to be Creative at the Piano’ says he knew teaching New Age piano was what he wanted to do as soon as he was able to connect his digital piano to a computer some 10 years ago.<br /><br /><strong>Weiss explains…</strong><br /><br />“Back in 2000 or so I tried to hook up my Roland digital piano to an old Dell computer. To my surprise, it worked and I’ve been teaching online ever since.”<br /><br />A free piano lesson ‘Summer Morning’ and report ‘5 Secrets to Playing New Age Piano’ are currently being offered at Weiss’s website <a href="http://www.newagepianolessons.com/">http://www.newagepianolessons.com/</a>Edward Weisshttps://plus.google.com/114401768498004342620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759852.post-88509996661781878412011-11-04T17:42:00.000-07:002011-11-04T17:46:06.409-07:00Northern Lights? Nature and Music Meet at Quiescence Music<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xZ6HpknvKek/TrSGwoYKm7I/AAAAAAAABK4/gvTgD1Z6ax4/s1600/lights.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 327px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671306000796916658" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xZ6HpknvKek/TrSGwoYKm7I/AAAAAAAABK4/gvTgD1Z6ax4/s320/lights.jpg" /></a>Northern Lights ... that brilliant display of color one normally associates with arctic regions have been seen, in all places in Alabama. But that's not the only place these shimmering waves of light have occured.<br /><br />People have reported seeing this amazing display in New York, Kentucy, and New Mexico. <strong>And that inspires New Age pianist and teacher Edward Weiss.<br /></strong><br />Weiss has been teaching and playing piano in the 'new age' style for over 15 years so when news broke of this rare natural phenomenon, he got out his keyboard and began composing.<br /><br /><strong>Weiss has this to say about the composing process...<br /></strong><br />"When something inspires me, I take out a note pad and jot down just 2-bars of melody. That initial melody grows into a full composition. Composing this way has the benefit of allowing me to quickly pen the inspiration. It's than fleshed out more at home."<br /><br />Northern Lights aren't the only things Weiss is inspired by though as evidenced by a list of the lessons he offers at his website. Titles like 'Coral Reef' and "October Sky' abound as students learn how to improvise and create their own unique new age piano creations.<br /><br /><strong>Weiss remarks:<br /></strong><br />"I've always loved nature and piano music so combiing the two just seemed the thing to do. And now that I can do it, I have fun sharing what I know with others who enjoy this peaceful pastime."<br /><br />The video can be viewed on YouTube at <a href="http://youtu.be/HyeG0uwMMcE">http://youtu.be/HyeG0uwMMcE</a>Edward Weisshttps://plus.google.com/114401768498004342620noreply@blogger.com2